Max Verstappen Left in Shock: Red Bull F1’s Shocking Departure Unveiled Over the Phone!
In a stunning twist in the world of Formula 1, four-time world champion Max Verstappen was blindsided by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s unexpected exit from the team. The announcement came after a tumultuous season filled with leadership upheavals and off-track controversies, culminating in a shocking revelation following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Marko, a stalwart of Red Bull since its inception in F1, is credited with spotting Verstappen’s immense talent at a young age. As Verstappen narrowly missed securing a fifth consecutive championship title earlier this month, Marko’s exit has added another layer of drama to an already chaotic season. Despite initially hinting that Verstappen’s title loss played a role in his departure, Marko later claimed he hadn’t even read the team’s official press release—an admission that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community.
In an explosive interview with De Telegraaf, Marko recounted the emotional moment he had to break the news to Verstappen, revealing that he had to do so over the phone—a scenario he had desperately hoped to avoid. “Did you know that I also had to inform Max of my decision over the phone?” Marko lamented, expressing frustration over missing the chance to deliver the news in person. “We were still fully fighting for the championship, and I decided to wait. I didn’t want to bother Max with it,” he explained.
The plan had been to share the news during a dinner in Dubai, which Verstappen was meant to attend. However, logistical issues forced the young Dutch driver to cancel, prompting Marko to make the heart-wrenching call from his home. “It was melancholic,” the 82-year-old reminisced. “We told each other that we’d never dared to dream of our achievements. Max said we’d see each other soon. Of all the drivers, I’ve built the closest bond with him over the years. We don’t need to say much. A few words are enough to understand each other’s feelings. I can say it was an emotional phone call, yes.”
This unexpected turn of events raises questions about the future of Red Bull Racing and the dynamics of its star driver. Verstappen’s close relationship with Marko has been one of the cornerstones of his success, and the abrupt change could have significant implications. As the dust settles on this shocking announcement, one thing is clear: the world of Formula 1 is never short on drama, and the 2024 season is shaping up to be anything but predictable.







